Milano Cortina, Italy – Ivanie Blondin of Canada added to her impressive Olympic medal collection on Saturday, securing a silver medal in the women’s mass start long track speed skating event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The 16-lap race saw a thrilling sprint finish, with Blondin finishing just behind Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands, who claimed gold.
Groenewoud’s winning time was 8:34.70, marking a dominant performance for the Dutch skater. Mia Manganello of the United States rounded out the podium, earning the bronze medal. The race unfolded with a markedly different dynamic than the preceding men’s final, where a breakaway duo nearly lapped the field. The women’s event remained tightly packed for the majority of the race, setting the stage for a dramatic sprint to the finish.
This marks Blondin’s second consecutive Olympic silver medal in the mass start event, having first achieved the feat at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Her consistency in this event solidifies her position as a leading force in long track speed skating. The Canadian skater demonstrated resilience throughout the race, navigating the tactical challenges of the mass start format.
Despite a spill early in the final, Valérie Maltais, also representing Canada, showcased her determination and finished fifth. The Canadian team’s performance highlighted their strength and depth in long track speed skating.
The women’s mass start event, now in its third iteration at the Olympic Games, continues to provide exciting and unpredictable racing. The tightly contested nature of the event demands both endurance and tactical acumen from the skaters.
Blondin’s silver medal adds to a growing list of accomplishments, including back-to-back gold medals in the women’s team pursuit alongside teammates Isabelle Weidemann and Maltais. This latest success brings her total Olympic medal count to four, cementing her legacy as one of Canada’s most decorated speed skaters. Canada previously won gold in the women’s team pursuit at Milano Cortina 2026, defeating the Netherlands on February 17th, as reported by CBC Sports.
The Netherlands enjoyed a strong showing in the event, with Groenewoud’s gold completing a sweep for the Dutch team. Groenewoud amassed 60 sprint points throughout the race, demonstrating her strategic prowess and speed, according to Olympics.com.
With the conclusion of the women’s mass start, attention now shifts to the remaining events on the speed skating program at Milano Cortina 2026. The competition continues to showcase the skill and athleticism of the world’s top long track speed skaters.
What will be the impact of Groenewoud’s gold medal on the future of Dutch speed skating? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
